Digital Twin Industry Challenge Led Accelerator

SMEs invited to develop digital twin solutions

UK technology small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for up to £75,000 in Innovate UK grant funding to develop a digital twin solution for a real-world industry challenge.

Delivered by Digital Catapult through the UK Digital Twin Centre, this nine-month accelerator programme supports SMEs working with organisations in the maritime, aerospace and defence sectors.

Applicants select a challenge set by one of the Industry Challenge Owners:

• Artemis Technologies: Object detection and collision avoidance in water
• BAE Systems: Digital twin development for in-service aircraft systems
• Thales: Health monitoring of uncrewed vessels
• Vertical Aerospace: Digital shadows and real-time predictions for aircraft testing

Your business should have a demonstrable technology, capability or solution that could be applied to one of the four industry challenges.

You do not need to have extensive experience in the maritime, aerospace or defence sectors, but the programme is particularly interested in innovative technologies and approaches that could be applied to these sectors.

Up to 12 SMEs will be selected to take part in the accelerator. Successful applicants will receive:

• up to £75,000 in grant funding
• technical support and mentoring
• access to industry experts and facilities
• the opportunity to test and demonstrate their technology
• connections with potential customers and partners

Applications close on 27 October 2026.

For full details of the challenges and how to apply, visit the Digital Catapult website.

First published 16 September 2026